​5. A Changing Vision 
Lunch Plans
   His mom was gone and there were only about fifteen minutes or so to wait for Gil. That was good because Joseph was hungry.
   It was almost 11:00 when Gil arrived. As Joseph climbed into the front seat of the Cherokee, Gil said, “I hope you don’t mind going up to The Community for lunch. Carol and Charles are going to join us there.”
   “This will be a new experience for me,” said Joseph. “I remember having some great fresh baked bread there on a field school trip, but that’s all.”
   “It will be a bit different from Dell’s, so limit your expectations and prepare to broaden your horizons.”
   Joseph nodded.
   The last two weeks have broadened your horizons a bit, haven’t they! Why should today be any different?
   Joseph brought up the subject of the different points of view on Eagles Nest and the solar farm. They discussed the different expectations of each group. The conclusion as they drove into The Community was that bringing those different perspectives into alignment was going to be next to impossible.
   That was the way this whole conversation with Gil had gone, pretty one-sided and negative. It was very different from the talks with his dad and Jerry. Maybe he should have started the conversation differently, or guided it into the direction of the middle way somehow.
   The Community Store was a large building on the main loop. It was long and deep, consisting of a store in the front third, a dining area in the middle third, and a bakery and kitchen in the back.
   The dining areas were a variety of different sized tables. A few were long, and then a good many traditional rectangular or square tables for two, four, or six. Ladder back wooden chairs with hand-woven rush seats surrounded the tables while long wooden benches lined the longer tables.
   Carol and Charles were seated at a table for 6 by the window. Faye Hart, the new Council Chairwoman, was also there.
   Charles greeted them saying, “We ran into Faye as we headed this way and asked if she would join us.”
   Seated, Joseph picked up the menu in front of him.
               Sandwiches:                                                                                  
         Spinach Pesto Grilled Cheese                                                        
         Chickpea “Tuna”                                                                                
         Philly Cheesesteak with Portobello Mushrooms                                      
         Tofu and Kale Pesto                                                                            
         And more of the same, all without real tuna or steak.
   He wasn’t sure that broadening the mind while hungry was a good idea. His eyes found the plate lunch options, a broad variety of mostly familiar items, at least in the Vegetables category.
   There had been an ongoing conversation while he had studied the menu options, and he realized he had missed the whole thing. The others were familiar with the menu and had given their orders.
   Joseph asked for four familiar vegetables and a sweet tea. Nowhere else in Alabama would he think of specifying “sweet,” but here he thought he better not take a chance.
   The other three had resumed their conversation about the different people involved. Charles was speaking.
   “And without a real possibility of an endangered species holding up the solar project, I really do not see what we can do.”
   There was general agreement that they were stuck.
   Thinking of his conversation with Jerry, Joseph asked, “Is there any way to get The Community and the investors in Eagles Nest and the solar farm together? I mean, if negotiations were beginning now with The Community knowing about the solar farm, would a deal be possible that both sides could agree on?”
   He looked at all three as he spoke, and they looked at him like he was from another planet.
   Gil responded. “I don’t think either side, The Community or the investors, is interested in giving any ground to the other side. We’re in a pretty weak position right now, and they know it. They have no reason to make any concessions.”
   Joseph nodded. “Yeah, I can see that. Do they know for sure that all evidence of the Grit Bush was destroyed? If we still have the Grit Bush as leverage, what would you guys see as the things The Community wants?” He was looking at Faye and Charles.
   “If the two were equal in power, there would be some incentive to find common ground. Just for fun, let’s answer your question. We can’t speak for the Council, but let’s imagine,” said Faye.

   Charles had a notepad and pen with him.
   “What are the issues?” he asked as he began writing.  
            Issues:

• Eagles Nest not environmentally friendly
• Solar panel farm just offsetting new energy usage, not reducing
• Increased Choctaloosa County development = increased damage to environment”

   When they agreed that was a good summation, Charles started a new column, “Benefits.”
   “What does The Community gain from these new developments?” he asked as he started a new column, “Gain.”
   He paused. No one offered any suggestions.
   The waitress brought their drinks, which provided a moment for reflection on where they were.
   When she had gone, Joseph observed, “The list is what we don’t want. What is it that we do want and could expect if the two projects go forward?”
   They looked at the issues on the list.

   Gil sat up a little straighter. “Let’s look at it from that perspective, a list of what The Community would like to see happen here.”
   He said, “Scratch out “Gain” and put “Wants.”
   “What if Eagles Nest had a covenant that was more specific about how it was to be a ‘green’ development? What if the language required the dwellings to be made like those in The Community?”
   Gil spoke the words and Charles scribbled them on the page: “buildings of recycled materials or from the land; energy efficient; water conserving; a high percentage of land maintained for current vegetation and animals; and…what else?”
   “Why would the investors or the people who have already bought lots be willing to make these changes?” asked Faye.
   “They will be the pioneers for Eco-friendly Homes for the 21st century,” replied Gil. “These homes may appeal to a different set of home buyers, but I believe there will be plenty of the 1%’ers who will see their second or third home, an Eco-friendly Home, as a positive symbol and a good investment.
   “Forget there is a covenant now. They could give a refund to those who have bought but do not want to live in such homes.”
   Gil suggested a new column, “Investor wants,” which Charles wrote.
   “Eco-friendly image,” offered Gil as the first item.
   Getting caught up in the spirit of the new vision, Charles added, “The Community has plenty of people skilled in building such homes.    They can offer the expertise and receive a good income from the project. This might even launch an opportunity for them to set an example for similar minded communities.”
   “True. There is no guarantee,” said Gil, “but the people buying into homes like this are probably going to be more sensitive to the environment in their demands for amenities like restaurants and stores and entertainment outside of Eagles Nest.”
   Charles wrote under The Community wants, “Employment,” and “Small Environmental footprint.” Under the investors’ side he wrote,    “Skilled Eco-labor.” He commented, “And they still get the return on their investment.” He added “ROI” to the list.
   Faye observed, “This approach is beginning to sound a lot like what Bruce was trying to do, go out into the world and change it.”
   “Maybe not,” said Carol. “This approach brings the world in here on our terms. It could even be a model for other developments where environmentalists and sympathetic business people are aligned.”
   Faye nodded slightly, “I see what you mean. It just looks like a big leap from where we are right now to what is on the pad.” Her voice and body language spoke her reluctance even as she said the words.
   “If Eagles Nest were built along these lines, would The Community have an issue with the solar farm?” asked Joseph, hoping they had found middle ground.
   “I cannot say how the Council would vote, but I think a good case could be made for them to agree to a solar farm supporting an eco-friendly development. After all, it is providing a greener source of power than the alternatives. It could even be marketed along with Eagles Nest as a symbol of a truly ecologically friendly place to live, a symbol for upscale living in harmony with the environment,” said Charles.
   Gil continued the thought. “If this is enough for the folks at The Community, the next question is whether it still meets the need of the investors who are behind Eagles Nest and the solar farm.”
   He looked at Faye.
   “I don’t see how we can answer that,” responded Faye.
   Gil offered, “If the main thing they want is a return on their investment, then I think they will still get that. And without having made enemies of the people of The Community.”
   He smiled. “They also will have a much better public image.”
   “True.” agreed Charles. “If that matters to them.” He thought about the question and added, “And if they think about it, their image will matter. Having public support makes projects less of an uphill battle. Read ‘uphill’ as ‘costly.’”
   Gil said, “Let’s keep in mind that if we are successful in driving the investors away from Choctaloosa County, they will just move to another location and build exactly what they would have built here. There will be a loss for the environment for certain if that happems.”
   He had been looking at each of the others as he spoke, but now he focused on Faye. “If we can get them to come around to our proposal – which is really what we negotiated to have in the beginning – at least we have a more environmentally friendly development.”
   “We need to have a Council meeting to determine our direction on this.” Clearly she was not on board with the idea yet.
   Gil started to speak, but Charles overrode him. “I understand your reluctance, Faye. I would have preferred that we were never put in this position, also. The issue at this point is whether we can make the projects environmentally friendly, or have them proceed as the investors want. That will either happen here over our objections, or somewhere else if we drive them away.”
   “Those two choices hardly seem like a choice. Neither seems good.”

   The waitress brought their orders, again interrupting the flow of the conversation. When she had gone and everyone had adjusted to eating during the discussion, Charles responded to the last comment.
   He held his hands palm up in front of him. “Those are our choices. And the more environmentally friendly one,” he wiggled one hand, “may not even be a choice open to us.”
   “The lesser evil,” she said.
   “Or the better choice…just different perspectives on the same option.”
   Her eyes remained fixed on him for a few seconds before she gave the beginnings of a smile. “Yes, you are right. This is pretty much in line with our understanding of the original agreement. They have acted in bad faith, but that does not mean we should not try to restore the original understanding. I’m with you on this.”
   She visibly relaxed as she spoke, seeming to become at ease with the path to follow.
   “I will see if we can get a quorum of the Council together for a meeting tonight. If the investors agree to the change, which seems a long shot, it will make for some opportunities for a number of our people.”
   The rest of the meal varied between multiple discussions involving two or three or an occasional question to the group as a whole.    There appeared to be more consensus at the end than at the beginning.
   As he was nearly finished with his meal, Joseph noticed for the first time how crowded the room was. He realized some tables had been filled and were deserted again during the course of the discussion and meal at his own table. The clientele was as different as the menu at Dell’s.
   The primary action point was for Charles to arrange a video conference call with the designated spokesperson for the investors. He, Faye, and possibly a member of the Council would make their case, if the Council agreed.
   Charles said that he would also better define the terms that were used in the contract referring to ecology issues.
   It was after 1:00 when Joseph and Gil walked out to the Cherokee.
   They had a lot to talk about as Gil drove Joseph home.

   And Joseph had a lot to think about when he got home.
   He spent a couple of hours planning for selling ads on Wednesday. He would rather have been doing something regarding The Community’s issues, but had to admit there was nothing to do but wait. Using work as a diversion was the best solution to impatience, he decided.
   A little after 4:00, his phone rang. Claire’s home number.
   “Hello,” he said.
   “Hey, Joseph. This is Claire. Would you like to come for dinner tomorrow night?”
   “Sure! What time should I be there?”
   “Come at 6:00. I’d like to introduce you to Samuel Jacobs. See you tomorrow!”
   Speechless, Joseph heard the click as Claire hung up. He could tell that she had no intention of talking about it before he came. Her cheery tone at the end sounded mischievous.
   A few moments later, he received a text from Gil saying that a meeting between The Community’s representatives and those of the investors would occur on Thursday at 2:00 P.M. at The Community. Neither Gil nor Joseph could go, of course. Would he like to meet for lunch at Dell’s?
   Joseph texted back that Thursdays were carless days, and Gil responded that he would pick up Joseph about 11:30.
   That the two events – the dinner with Samuel Jacobs and the meeting on Thursday - had something, or rather someone, in common was evident.
   There was still nothing that he could do at the moment other than proceed to make a schedule for advertising calls for Wednesday. He could use the car and would make the most of it.
   But first, he needed to see what he could learn about Samuel Jacobs and Black Rock Financial on the internet.
 
A New Perspective
​   Wednesday morning began like any other, with Cheerios. He reviewed his notes on the businesses he would visit in Smithfield – a dry cleaners, an insurance sales office, and an historic home.
   By 11:00, he had done all he could do with the first two businesses.
   The dry cleaners manager said to come back the week before school started. She would check with the owner, but summer was a slow time and she knew now was not a good time to bring up the topic.
   The insurance salesman was a firm “No,” but getting away was difficult. The man kept insisting Joseph was the right age because life insurance would be so cheap for him. And if he kept paying the premiums, the policy would build in value and could be used if he needed an emergency loan. No hope for an ad sale there, but he learned a lot about life insurance in a very few minutes!

   The Smith-Carter house was on the National Register of Historic Places, the only building in Choctaloosa County to make the list. It was open to tourists, with a fee for admission and an alternative group rate fee.
   The old brick home on the outskirts of Smithfield sat on a two-acre lot, a mere postage stamp size compared to the large holdings once surrounding it. There were three cars in the small parking lot at the moment.
   Four columns rose at the front of the building. The building itself was a two story brick in the center. The front door opened to a small covered porch. Two windows looked out from single-story wings stretching out both sides of the main structure.
   Joseph ascended the three steps to the porch and opened the heavy front door. He immediately felt the dry coolness of the air conditioned interior. He smiled at the thought of the old house’s conversion to the new-fangled conveniences of electricity.
   A man was leading a group of four people to the door, apparently finishing a tour. Joseph stood to the side as the visit concluded and the people returned to their cars.
   “Welcome to the Smith-Carter House,” said the man who had been addressing the group. “Would you like a tour?”
   “I came to speak to someone about advertising in The Choctaloosa Bee weekly newspaper. Are you the right person?”
   “Yes, I am. My name is Jimmy Fox and I am the owner. Please call me Jimmy”
   Jimmy walked toward Joseph as he spoke, offering his hand.
   Joseph shook the extended hand and said, “Joseph Crispin. This is an impressive old home.”
   “Yes, it really is. I feel fortunate to own it, bought it about ten years. When I moved here from Oklahoma about fifteen years ago, something about the place called to me. I worked at two jobs for a few years, setting aside some money for a home, but I never dreamed that I would own this house.
   “When I learned that the owners planned to sell, I made an offer. They were selling the attached land with the house or separately. I scraped up enough to make the down payment on the house. Then I did some work on it and eventually opened it for tours.”
   Joseph pursued the mention of Oklahoma.
   “Yes, as you probably know, my people, the Creek Nation, were moved there back in the 19th century. I came here to Choctaloosa County, and found it did feel like home,” he said, waving an arm around to indicate this place.
   “And I found a wife to share this experience. We live in the servants’ quarters around the back. It’s actually quite a nice place now.
   “I remember reading about your history, our history, in school,” said Joseph, feeling a bit awkward. “I think it very interesting that the Creek, having been away for generations, and you never having lived here, still felt it was home.”
   Jimmy nodded. “It may seem strange, but if your people have lived in a place for a very long time, there becomes an intimate connection between the people and the land. This is reflected in how the people get food, how they dress, even in the language that they speak.
   “The language is an affirmation of this intimacy, not only among the people, but with the land, also. The nature that exists in a locale sends out its own essence, its RNA and DNA, if you will. And the people receive it and share their own essence with the other life on the land. All become one, even in death. They are inseparable except by unnatural force.”

   Jimmy gestured to the second chair in front of the fireplace. “Would you like to talk for a while about the house and this magical place you call Choctaloosa County? Perhaps then you will be better able to show me the value of advertising when you have a greater understanding of where we are.”
   Joseph sat in the chair offered to him, and Jimmy sat across from him. And thus began a larger tour, Joseph’s education on the nature of all living things from an experiential perspective rather than a scientific one.
   Instead of breaking down the elements of nature into the traditional kingdom, phylum, etc., Jimmy showed the interweaving of life together as a unity, each part playing a role in support of the whole of life. He painted a vision of the connectedness of everything rather than the separation into smaller and smaller pieces until there was no understanding of the whole in a molecule in isolation.
   He spoke of how the Creek Nation had lived in this unity with nature. “Our downfall,” he concluded, “was our inability to live in unity with each other.
   “My people were the ‘Redsticks,’ referring to the painted handles of our weapons. Our brothers were the “White Sticks,” and they joined with the white man against us. The Creek Nation was divided and, as in the teachings of Jesus, a house divided against itself cannot stand.
   “Oklahoma was not the nature of our language or of our lifestyles.” He shook his head. “I had to leave.”
   Jimmy laughed. “I cannot say that what I am doing in this house is particularly in line with the old ways of my people, but here, in this house, I experience the nature of those who fought against us. I am able to know my enemy, and by knowing him to break down the walls of enmity.
   “I am at home on the land. And I share the experiences of me and my people with people like you. Perhaps that will have an impact, if not on the world, then at least on individual lives looking for answers, for meaning.”
   Joseph felt a bit overwhelmed by the flood of information. “Thank you for sharing your history with me, Jimmy. I know we have been told that we must learn history to keep from repeating it. Frankly, little of what you have told me is in the history books that I was given.”
   “Of course not, Joseph! History is written by the victors. The view of those who were defeated is blotted from history in favor of the winners. History is often very one-sided, only occasionally giving a glimpse of the other perspective. The reality of history is that there are a multitude of perspectives to any event.”
   Joseph again had visions of Jerry and his war experience come to mind.
   “I think I am beginning to understand that, Jimmy. He smiled. “I will add your perspective to my collection.”
   “Yes, it is but one perspective. And I have gained insights into the other perspective, the world as it now is, by living here. My experiences here have reassured me that all things are still one thing.”
   He extended his hand and Jimmy took it. “Thank you.”
   “My pleasure. And if you have any ideas about how advertisements will help the business here at Smith-Carter house, please let me know.”
   A sadder but a wiser man, Joseph headed home.
 
The Article
   Joseph arrived home well after 1:00. He thought of all he wanted to do before going to Claire’s for dinner. Was life always going to be this busy?
   But first, lunch….
   While he ate his sandwich and chips, he looked on the internet for information about the Creek…Nation. He almost said Indians in his mind. They were a people, a nation, and not in India.
   By 3:00 he was writing.
​
            A New Perspective by A. Bee Friday, July 2, 2021
   I met a man today who has roots in America deeper and longer than anyone I know. We politely call his people “Native Americans” these days.
   He told me of how his people had once lived as a part of the land that we call Choctaloosa County. This led me to a new perspective on our home here, and perhaps this is a fitting day to consider it.
   If you watch the nightly national news, you probably have experienced the huge disconnect between what are called the problems of the world and our daily lives in Choctaloosa County.
   There is no doubt that our county is “less developed” than the large cities that are the focal points of the news stories. Most of these news stories imply a sense of chaos descending upon the world at large. To detail the issues of climate change, the thin line between legal and illegal drug use, the national debt, and other threats to our well-being, would serve no purpose.
   You, dear reader, know of these issues that plague us at the national and global levels.
   Rather than focus on any particular dis-ease of society, perhaps examining a healthy society is a more worthwhile endeavor. When we identify the symptoms of good health, anything else is seen as less than healthy. And we can choose to avoid actions leading us astray.
   I saw a piece of land in northeastern Choctaloosa County last Friday. It was 300 acres alive with grasses and shrubs, a blackberry patch, and stands of trees.
   There were the sounds of the birds that flew, the bees that buzzed, and the peace of all living things was whispered to each other in the background. Rabbits ran through the blackberry patch and squirrels climbed in the trees.
   I returned on Saturday and this small world had changed. Dozers were pushing the grass and brush into a pile. Graders were levelling the land into flat exposed dirt. Wood chippers stood ready to attack the trees.
   Engines roared and life was silent. Machines drowned any whisper from the life in this field that might have survived.
   This land was in the process of becoming a farm – a field of solar panels yielding a harvest of electrical power.
   That is a good thing, isn’t it?
   Or does it destroy the bond between humans and all of the other living plants and animals that share the land with us?
   Is this the best that we can do, to have developers use this piece of pristine nature to further the goal of enslaving the earth to serve mankind?  
   America has benefitted greatly from slavery, both literally, prior to the Civil War, and figuratively, in appropriating the agricultural, mineral, and labor resources of “undeveloped” countries for our own use.
   Is Choctaloosa County such a place of darkness that we also must have our land used to feed the ravenous fires of economic progress? Must economic explorers come to “lift us up” into the civilized world, show the natives the light of progress?

   Perhaps the development that now comes to us is the false light of promise, the substance of the dark stories of the nightly newscasts.
   From Choctaloosa County, we see a world less inviting than our home. And that world beckons us to join the divorce from the natural world and to ride on the gossamer wings of knowledge. We will have 5G and the control of all at our fingertips.
   Or perhaps we will find that we are under the illusion that we are in control. Perhaps we will find that nature has the final word and that nothing can exist apart from the land and all of the other life forms this earth supports.
   What does technology bring us that sustains us?
   Technology does not give us food, except perhaps the processed chemicals in our foods or that which is called food substitutes.
   Technology does not give us the water we drink, although it offers some cleaning of the water we have fouled. 
   Technology does not give us the air we breathe, although it offers some cleaning of the air we have polluted.
   Technology does make life easier, and we have benefitted from improved sanitation, clean water, antibiotics, and electric power. But what do we do with the waste of plastics, toxic chemicals and pharmaceuticals, nuclear reactors, and toxic industrial products?

   We throw them into the garbage dump called nature.
   Technology has made our lives easier and we have benefitted from its helping hand. But where is the balance between this technology and the nature that sustains us?
   Our county may not be the Garden of Eden, but we do live in a place where some balance with nature is still possible, a place where stewardship is the norm rather than the exception
   In the end, we cannot survive without nature. When we are in right relationship with nature, it supports us and we support it.
   Life is about relationships, life with life, and life with the land. Our lives and the lives of plants and animals in the natural world are intertwined with the land and each other. Our tasks has always been to help nature to be its better self as we help one another to be our better selves.
   Each individual shares a bond with the nature in which we live, in this terrarium we call earth. We sever that bond at our own peril.

   The darkness of the article bothered him. Hope and positive approach were more his style.
   He reflected on what was written on the screen before him, but he did not see a better way to convey the message and still be honest. He decided to wait until later to send it to Mr. Franklin.

A Glimpse of the Other Side
   He arrived at Claire’s house a few minutes before 6:00. She put him in the living room while she organized dinner in the kitchen. Dinah was feeding Chloe.
   And so Joseph went back to the wall of pictures. He noticed a new framed snapshot had been added: Dinah and Chloe in a happy moment.
   A few minutes after 6:00, the door opened and Samuel Jacobs walked inside.
   Claire emerged from the kitchen. “Good timing,” she said. “Dinner’s ready.”
   She turned to Joseph who was still perusing the wall of pictures. “Joseph, come meet Samuel. Then you can both come on into the dining room.”
   Before she returned to the kitchen, Samuel handed her a brown paper bag. “Some pinot noir. You might open it and let it breathe a few minutes.” He added a second later, “Or would you like for me to open it?”
   “I can handle it,” she said, taking the gift into the kitchen.
   Joseph had come to the foyer.
   Samuel shook Joseph’s hand. “Good to meet you, Joseph,” he said, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. “Where are Dinah and Chloe?”
   “They’re back in her room. Wait a minute and she’ll be out,” came Claire’s voice from the kitchen.
   Not particularly satisfied but having little choice, Samuel gestured for Joseph to proceed into the dining room.
Instead, Joseph called out to Claire, asking if she needed help.
   “Yes, Joseph, actually I do. Please help me get these dishes out to the table,” she called back.
   Joseph said, “Excuse me,” to Samuel and went into the kitchen.
   Over the next few minutes, he brought a steaming pot roast dish out to the dining room, and then bowls of rice and green beans.
   Claire came out last with a basket of rolls and a glass of the red wine for Samuel.
   Dinah and Chloe came from the back at that moment.
   Samuel rose and put an arm around Dinah. He gave a bit of a squeeze as he looked down at Chloe. Dinah appeared to tolerate it but    Joseph saw no real affection from either side. Samuel’s one armed embrace may have been more about possession than affection.

   As they sat down, Samuel complimented Claire on the meal before them. “Ah, you always have done a great Beef Bourguignon! I thought it a winter dish, but it is great any time.”
   “I know that you enjoy it. Whether you would be around in a more seasonal time I did not know,” smiled Claire.
   Joseph looked at the dish of beef, very small onions, carrots, and mushrooms. By any name it looked like a beef stew to him.
   The conversation during the meal was all about Dinah and Chloe. More accurately, a conversation would begin about Dinah and Chloe, but somewhere along the way it would be about Samuel and his experiences.
   Before the end of the meal, Joseph knew that Samuel’s father’s trucking company had gone bankrupt when the industry was deregulated, that young Samuel had been transferred to a public school, and then had worked through high school, college, and graduate school.
   Samuel kept referring to it as “long ago,” obviously distancing his present circumstances from his less fortunate beginnings. And yet that distant past was always with him, not very deep beneath the veneer of his current success.
   Chloe fell asleep in her mother’s arm during one of Samuel’s monologues.
   Samuel was apologizing for having been absent for so long, particularly when his granddaughter was being born. He explained more than was necessary about where he had been and, in very broad terms, what had necessitated his attention at such an important time.
   He concluded, “After all, China is on track to be the dominant financial force soon, and we must position ourselves there.”
   When the plates were empty and there was an uncustomary lull in the conversation, Dinah excused herself. “Chloe seems to be content to sleep. I will go ahead and put her in her crib and see if she will stay asleep for a while.”
   Samuel rose and put a hand on Dinah’s shoulder to stop her as she passed his chair. He looked at the sleeping child and said, “Sleep well, my little one.” He removed his hand and Dinah proceeded to the bedroom.
   Joseph broke the silence.
   “I understand from what you have said that you work in the financial sector, Mr. Jacobs. What exactly is it that you do?”
   “Well, Joseph, I work for the largest asset management company in the world. We manage almost $10 trillion in assets. You might say that I am the liaison between our government and our company.”
   “Oh, is that like being a lobbyist?”
   Samuel Jacobs chuckled. “No, no, not at all. A lobbyist is paid to influence the actions of government officials. Most often they are trying to influence legislation.
   “What I do is to enhance the communication in the public private partnership, a PPP. Do you understand what a PPP is?”
   Joseph had a pretty good idea, at least in one example. “Yeah, I think so. Like the Armed Forces privatizing part of the military’s job, letting contractors do a lot of the non-warfare jobs, like supplies and services.”
   “Very good. Yes, exactly. Nixon got it started and Reagan really increased usage of the PPP. The liberals have found it works for them, too.
   “Basically, there are people in government who need to know the positions that Black Rock has taken so that the government can adapt accordingly. For instance, we have people working very closely on China’s mutual funds, a huge opportunity. We have to balance economic and political considerations.
   “My primary job is to ensure that things like interest rate policy, you know, money supply expansion or contraction, is consistent with what is happening in the markets. You could honestly say that Black Rock is the fourth branch of government.
   “And we own enough shares, have enough directors on the boards of private companies, to pretty well dictate how different sectors of the economy compete or cooperate. The stock markets are very influenced by our actions.”
   He lifted a hand, his first finger raised, to emphasize his main point: “Coordinating political and economic activity is extremely important.”
   He smiled. “It’s all pretty complicated, a lot of balls up in the air at any given time.”
   Joseph looked at Clair as Samuel talked. She appeared pretty bored with it all.
   Since Samuel seemed to enjoy talking about himself and how important he was, Joseph thought he should let him brag some more and see where it went.
   “That sounds really interesting! How did you get in the business and rise to where you are now?”
   Joseph could see he had hit a home run as Samuel sat up and leaned forward, very interested in getting his message across.
   “When I was still in grade school, my father’s large trucking company went bankrupt due to the massive upheaval in the trucking industry due to deregulation. Suddenly…”
   Claire interrupted. “Please, Samuel. Not your father’s story again. I’ve heard it so many times that I can tell it better than you.”
   He glowered at her and continued. “Alright, you tell it to him sometime, but he asked.”
   He turned again to Joseph. “Anyway, I suddenly found myself in public school. I worked my way through high school, college, and an MBA…Masters in Business Administration, that is.”
   “I am my father’s son in name only. He could not adapt to the deregulation, but I learned how to adapt to the changes that were occurring. And not just survive, but to thrive in it. I learned how to make things happen for me, put the market forces to work in my interest.
   “And here I am. That’s a shorter story than it might have been,” he said, glancing at Claire. “Do you have any questions?” He looked back at Joseph as if to pull some question out of him.
   Images of Jerry were flashing through Joseph’s mind.
   “Sounds like you had quite a challenge early in life,” said Joseph. He almost felt guilty about enabling the man to fill this need to talk about himself.
   “Yes, what is past is past, but it has made me who I am today,” he smiled.
   “If it is past and no longer relevant, why do you refer to it so often?” asked Claire.  
   Samuel faced Claire squarely. “I thought it would be helpful in answer Joseph’s question about how I got where I am.” He made it clear that his patience was wearing thin.
   A vision of Jerry fighting his way through the cornfield to help the lonely woman was like a YouTube video playing in Joseph’s mind as he looked at the image of a successful man across from him.
   Joseph spoke, pulling Samuel’s attention away from Claire. He sat up and leaned forward, unconsciously emulating Samuel’s actions a few moments earlier.
   “There is an old man here in New Deal. He was given lessons in murder as a young man and sent to Viet Nam. He learned the lessons well. He killed people, and he thought that he had survived. But those he killed also took his life. He lost his life there and cannot revive it.
   “He lives like a stranger in a strange land because he does not know the difference between the past and the present. He is still fighting a war that no longer exists.”
   Joseph felt like he was sitting across from Jerry now, Jerry the old man, but still a 20 year old young man lost in the fog of war.
   “The past that shaped him is always with him, his constant companion, binding him in an unchangeable present to an unchangeable past.”
   He knew it as he said it, that this was the truth about Jerry – and how many others? Not everyone was stuck between the ages of 2 and 17.
   He concluded without a pause, “You remind me of him a bit.”
   Out of the corner of his eye he could see Clair had covered her mouth with her hand, perhaps suppressing a laugh, but he kept his focus on Samuel Jacobs.
   “The fact that the story you told is interesting doesn’t make it relevant.”
   Samuel considered Joseph for a few seconds, his face stern and hard. “I was beginning to think you had some common sense, that you knew how to work with people, how to get along. Obviously, I was wrong.”
   Joseph leaned back in his chair. “I apologize. That may have been out of line. I did not come here to offend you. Let’s get back on a more comfortable topic.
   “You have been busy. You must be glad for the opportunity to take some time off and visit your new granddaughter.”
   Samuel did not revert to the role of the wise, experienced teacher he had practiced earlier. He was much more guarded, perhaps threatened in some way. But he seemed eager to change Joseph’s opinion of him, to prove the importance of his family.
   “Yes, the delay was much longer than I had hoped. It is a terrible thing to always be so far from family.”
   Samuel hesitated, and then added, “By coincidence, I have a meeting scheduled near here tomorrow afternoon.”
   He paused again. “I could have sent someone, but I wanted to come here to see my daughter and granddaughter.”
   Claire took that as a hint. “I will see if Dinah can return, or both of them if Chloe is still awake.”

   After Claire had left, Joseph asked, “Does it have anything to do with that construction project that is underway up near The Community?”
   “Yes, actually it does.” Samuel raised an eyebrow, “Are you familiar with what is happening there?”
   “I find I know very little about what is going on. Listening to you speak about your company and the larger world is a very different perspective for me.”
   “Yes, I imagine it is,” he said, nodding as he spoke.
   “There is a group up there blocking a solar farm worth several hundred million dollars. You are familiar with solar panels and the generation of electricity, aren’t you?”
   “Yes, sir.” Ah! The “sir” slipped out!
   “Well, this farm will provide much needed cheap electricity, environmentally friendly electricity generation, I might add. And it is all about some plant that isn’t even on the Endangered Species list.
   “Sometimes I can’t believe the short sightedness of these people.” He was, indeed, exasperated.
   “It does sound environmentally friendly from what I know about solar power. Is their opposition really just about this plant?” Joseph gave emphasis to the word, “just,” again leaning forward, toward Samuel.
   Samuel looked away from Joseph. “There had been negotiations with The Community people. We had bought some land from them for the Eagles Nest development.” Looking back at him, he asked, “Are you familiar with that?”
   Joseph nodded.
   “Well, both sides agreed that it would be a green development. We had not yet bought the land that you have seen being cleared. We later bought the land for the purpose of a solar farm, which would supply Eagles Nest with solar power. No matter how much electricity they used, there would be no damage to the environment from their electrical power demand.”
   The look of exasperation returned. “Why can’t these environmental nuts see that?”
   “It sounds to me like you pulled a fast one on them. You just said there is nothing about Eagles Nest that will be environmentally friendly except its source of power. That does not sound like the spirit of your agreement with them.”
   Joseph was beginning to feel as uncomfortable as Samuel, but for a totally different reason. He had no business talking to Samuel about the subject of Samuel’s meeting with The Community tomorrow.
   “Actually, it was not planned that way. We would have honored the spirit of the contract, as you put it, except that we had a lawyer familiar with the two projects, Eagles Nest and a solar farm.
   “The location of the solar farm had not been selected when we bought the land for Eagles Nest. While discussing legal issues on location of the solar farm, the lawyer suggested, ‘Why not put it near Eagles Nest? Give the community a direct line to solar power and you won’t have to do anything else. People can build what they want the way they want.’
   “That sounded reasonable. The covenant we wrote dictating construction and requirements for the homeowners reflected this liberal interpretation. So there you have it.”
   Claire had returned to her seat at the table during Samuel’s explanation.
   “And now the people who sold you the Eagles Nest land, The Community, are blocking the solar farm, is that correct?”
   “Yes.”
   “If you had honored the agreement at Eagles Nest, I mean, required that the buyers adhered to the concept of being environmentally friendly, your solar farm would not have been blocked, would it?”
   “Who knows with these people?” He threw up his hands, clearly upset with the situation. Whether “the situation” was the dispute with The Community or with this conversation, Joseph could not tell.
   “I don’t know why I am even talking about this with you!” Samuel emphasized the “you.”
   “We will meet with that hippie community tomorrow and address this Temporary Restraining Order. We will let them know that if they want to spend a small fortune in legal fees, we have very deep pockets and very good lawyers.”
   “So killing their position legally is your best option?” Joseph’s voice had risen more than he had intended. His choice of words had been rather harsh, but Samuel probably would not respond to less.
   “When you are at war, you don’t need to be subtle.” Samuel’s voice was also rising, his tone firm and definitely harsher.
   Joseph made an effort to let the tenseness in his muscles relax. He kept thinking of Jerry and the words Jesus had spoken in the Bible. There must be a better way here, a way to focus on resolution rather than conflict.
   “Is it a war, Samuel?”
   Joseph used his given name rather than his surname for the first time. Somehow it seemed appropriate, like putting them on a level playing field.
   “It’s just business, Joseph.”
   “Is business a war? I thought it was a buyer and a seller coming together for mutual benefit.”
   “You are splitting hairs. Besides, what each side gets is not what they want or deserve, it is what they negotiate.”
   “Why not give them what you had originally agreed?” asked Joseph.
   Claire spoke up. “That is a very good question, Samuel. Why not do the right thing?”
   As if he were talking to a child, Samuel said to Clair, “Because we have already sold lots based on the covenant that allows them to build what they want.”
   “I am very familiar with covenants,” she said. “You still own the vast majority of lots. You could change the covenant to what it would have been under the original agreement with The Community. Give the money back if the buyers aren’t happy with it. There will be plenty of others who want to be on the leading edge of an environmental makeover.”
   “You make it sound so easy,” he said. “Reality is different.”
   “Are you saying you don’t have the power to honor what you had originally negotiated in good faith?”
   “This conversation is through!” They were ganging up on him, but worse, they were not playing by his rules.
   He straightened himself up and added, “You and I have things to discuss, Claire.” He looked at Joseph.
   Joseph saw that he was being dismissed. He looked at Claire who gave a slight nod.
   “Yes, I am sure you do since you have been away so long…Samuel.” He almost had said Mr. Jacobs.
   Claire rose with Joseph and Samuel followed suit.
   Joseph offered his hand. “Thank you for a very enlightening conversation.”
   Samuel simply said, “Good night.”
   Joseph said to Claire, “And thank you for a really great dinner. Tell Dinah ‘Good night’ for me.”
   She walked him to the front door, speaking so Samuel could hear. “Thanks for understanding that Samuel and I have some things to discuss.”
   Joseph nodded, and she gave him a thumbs up and a smile before he walked out the door.
   He went out to his car wondering what exactly had happened during the evening and what would come of it.

   The hour was not that late and his parents were in the living room when he arrived at home. He described the events of the dinner.    Then he thought he might as well get another perspective on the article and told them about Jimmy Fox and the Creek…Nation.
   He printed the article and brought it to them.
   He went to get a glass of water. He was not sure if he wanted to see their reactions as they read what he had written. Who was he at 18 to be telling anybody about how to be in this world?
   As the word “be” passed through his mind, he thought of Jerry’s sign, “Being.” What other messages did Jerry send other than “Being Whole” and “Being You”?
   When he went back into the living room, his father had finished it and his mother was reading. He sat back down and waited.
   When his mother finished, she smiled and handed it back to Joseph.
   His father asked, “Are you comfortable with your article. It seems that you are acting as if you are not.”
   “Yeah, that’s true,” Joseph admitted. “This seems less positive than the other articles. I feel like I should have provided something in the way of a solution or strategies for making everything better.”
   "Hmm,” his father said. A few seconds later, he added, “Do you think it is lacking solutions?”
   “That probably is the issue. Without solutions, it seems so negative.”
   “But I see your solution, Joseph,” said his mother. “It is about relationships. We take relationships for granted, especially those that we do not hear speaking to us. You are reminding us of the importance of a relationship beyond those with other people.”
   Joseph was looking at the back of his printed page. “So, maybe each problem has its own solution, but we must understand nature in order to be aware of the problem and the solution.” He looked up hopefully.
   His father said, “You raise a hard question, Joseph. The solution must come from people, not the heavy hand of the government or the pleadings of a group lobbying for a particular part of nature. You state the problem. As you suggest, it is the individual’s bond with nature that determines the course of the individual.”
   Pointing to the paper in Joseph’s hand, he added, ‘Isn’t that the job of a reporter, to raise the question based on a different perspective?”
   Joseph smiled. “Thank you both. It seems like it has been another full day. I’m ready for bed!”
   And he was ready for bed. But he sent the article to Mr. Franklin. He knew there was no obligation for it to be printed, but he hoped that it would.
 
About Turn
   Joseph slept well, indeed! It was almost 9:00 when his phone rang. Barney Franklin.
   Propping himself up in bed, he accepted the call.
   “Hello, Mr. Franklin.”
   “Good morning, Joseph. I got your article.”
   Rubbing his eyes, Joseph asked, “What do you think about it?”
   “It’s a pretty bold piece, Joseph.”
   Joseph waited.
   “I put my name on the paper every week that it goes out. I thought your using the pseudonym “A Bee” was pretty clever. It fit with the articles, really just stories, each having a point, but no real controversy.
   “Your name needs to go on this article. This article is making a statement of your beliefs. If you want people to take it seriously, you’ve got to put your name on it. A man needs to stand up for what he believes in.”
   The editor paused. “I’ll stand behind the article only if you will.”
   Joseph was fully awake by this time. “So you’ll print it?”
   “With your name on it. I’ll put it on the editorial page.”
   There was a flash of anxiety, but it was gone as quickly as it came. “Thank you, Mr. Franklin. Barney.”
   Barney gave a laugh. “Yeah, Barney. See you later, Joseph.”
   Click and silence. It was done.

   Joseph got up and prepared for the day. His cell rang again before he had gotten to the breakfast table. Gil Templeton.
   “Good morning, Gil!”
   “Good morning, Joseph. If it works with your schedule, why don’t I pick you up for lunch about 12:30 or so. I thought we might head up to The Community afterward and see how their meeting on the solar farm went.”
   “That sounds great. See you then. Thanks!”
   It would be another interesting afternoon.
   After breakfast, Joseph felt somewhat at a loss. There was a nagging need to do something. Anything!
   His mother left for work at the Food Pantry, so there went the car.
   The morning was hot and humid, but on the porch it wasn’t too bad yet. He sat on the swing. For about three minutes.
   Maybe preparing for advertising sales calls would fill the void. He went to his office and started researching business names in Smithfield not on the advertisers list for The Bee.
   There were several good possibilities.
   Another insurance agency was worth a call.
   He recognized a farm supply store that offered farm machinery from ads in The Montgomery Advertiser. They ought to advertise in The Bee to cover the rest of the county, shouldn’t they?
   And there was a pet store that also sold supplies.
   He made notes on the three in preparation for tomorrow or Monday.
   By then it was almost 11:30. He had time for a cold drink and a snack.

   Gil arrived just after 12:30 and they headed up to Dell’s without even a discussion about where to have lunch.
   Joseph decided to save the replay of the evening with Samuel Jacobs for when they were in the restaurant and Gil was not distracted from it by driving. Or worse, distracted from driving by the story!
   Small talk sufficed until they were pulling into the backlot of Dell’s.
   Inside, there were a number of tables not yet cleared, but no people seated there. Joseph was in the lead and went to a corner seat by the front window.
   Dell came as soon as they were seated and cleared the table. “Welcome. Busy day here,” he grunted as he picked up his loaded bus tub.
   Tina came as Dell was walking away and asked, “What can I getcha to drink?”
   They ordered the predictable sweet tea and a Nehi orange and began looking at the specials on the menu.
   Joseph was quite hungry by now and felt the need for a real meal. He still had $50!
   A few minutes later, Tina returned with the drinks. “What can I getcha?”
   Joseph took the special, the roast beef with gravy, along with mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans and fried okra. Gil opted for the country fried steak and the same vegetables.
   When Tina had gone, Joseph gave a summary of his evening with Samuel Jacobs.
   Gil waited for the story to end before speaking. “He sounds like a formidable adversary,” said Gil, “one not afraid to use his power to get his way. And it doesn’t seem to matter to him what is right or fair. It’s all about the bottom line and him winning.”
   “Yeah, he does give that impression,” agreed Joseph. “But I felt like before he shut down the argument that he was softening. It was like he knew the truth and it was a brick wall right in front of him. He skidded to a stop before he allowed himself to come up against it.”
   They talked more about Joseph’s impression of Samuel Jacobs and what the 2:00 meeting at The Community would look like.

   As he neared the end of his meal, Joseph looked around for the first time in a while. Sitting in the front corner, he had an eye on everything, including the front door.
   The place was only half full but the empty tables had not yet been bussed because of the busyness of the lunch rush hour.
   A sheriff’s deputy came in alone. He took off his sunglasses and looked around the room with all of the cluttered tables. His glance finally reached to Joseph. The deputy locked eyes on him and headed over.
   Joseph was not normally intimidated by seeing a law enforcement officer coming toward him, but today was different. Images of being served with some kind of official papers passed through his mind.
   Gil did not see the officer until he arrived at the table.
   Pointing at Joseph, the deputy said, “Haven’t I seen you before? Were you the guy on the side of the road when that woman gave birth in the front seat of a Celica?”
   Joseph was stunned, but recovered after a second.
   “You were the one directing traffic at the end, weren’t you?”
   “Yeah. I was on my way to Smithfield, late for a trial where I might be called to testify. But I saw what was going on and figured I ought to help clear things up and keep everybody safe.”
   Joseph nodded, “Those EMT’s did quite a job. Helping them be safe from the traffic was a good thing.”
   Gil asked, “Do you want to join us?” He indicated the chair next to him.
   The deputy looked around – still no clean tables. “Sure, if you don’t mind.”
   He sat down. Joseph caught Tina’s eye at another table and she gave a nod, acknowledging she saw the new arrival.
   “I wonder how they’re doing, the woman and her baby,” said the deputy. He quickly added, “I’m Peter James.”
   Gil and Joseph introduced themselves and Tina arrived to take the additional order – Hamburger and fries with a side salad.
   As she left, Peter added, “My wife is always onto me about eating more green things.”
   Gil laughed, “I’m on me about that!”
   They talked about the birth on the side of the road a bit. Peter mentioned that the article about it in The Bee was really good, and the other two just agreed.
   When his hamburger came, Gil and Joseph were through eating, but neither got up. It wasn’t but 1:30 and there was no need to get up to The Community until at least 2:30, depending on how long the meeting lasted.
   The deputy was saying that he didn’t get up to New Deal very often, and here he was the second time in a week.
   Joseph’s ears perked up. ”Oh, What brought you up here before today?”
   Peter finished his bite of salad. “It was Saturday. I had to bring up a Temporary Restraining Order for some construction up toward The Community. Quite a big deal, it looked like, with all that equipment going.”
   He took a bit of hamburger. Gil asked, “How did they receive it? That doesn’t sound like a pleasant part of your job. I mean, most people are going to be pretty unhappy when their job is shut down.”
   “Oh, yeah!” he said, after he swallowed. “That guy got pretty irate. I had to keep telling him, ‘Stop! Now!’ He finally sent a couple of guys around to stop all the heavy equipment and get everybody up front. Meanwhile I was posting the order at the entrance to the site.
   “When everybody was there, I told them they had to leave. They could take equipment with them now or leave it, but no more work until the TRO expired. I stayed there until the last one had gone. I took some pictures and went on with my shift.”
   “Even took pictures, huh? What happens to them?” asked Gil.
   The deputy seemed pretty intent on lunch at the moment, but finally answered. “I printed a few out for the file. You know, where I had posted the TRO, all the machinery parked, and a couple of the site.”
   He took another bite of hamburger.
   “When a TRO gets posted like that, do you guys ever follow up to be sure that no more work gets done?”
   Peter shook his head to indicate a negative answer. Then, “Not usually. We don’t really have the manpower if it is somewhere out of the way like that job. We rely on whoever filed for the TRO to alert us if it is violated.”
   He ate some fries, looking at Gil, then at Joseph, now realizing these were not idle questions.
   “Are you guys involved in that?”
   “Yeah, you could say that,” said Gil nonchalantly. “Are we able to see those pictures along with the paperwork somewhere?”
   “Sure. They’re with the file. Actually, I still have them on my phone.” Peter pulled out his cell phone and clicked on the photos icon. “I don’t take that many pictures.”
   He handed the phone to Gil who scrolled through half a dozen pictures of the construction site.
   “They didn’t have anything burning when you left there, did they?” He was going back and enlarging the photos to see all of what each one showed more clearly.
   As he handed the phone to Joseph, Peter was searching his memory. “No, I don’t remember seeing any smoke or any sign of burning anywhere. The pictures don’t show any smoke, either, as far as I recall.”
   As Joseph scrolled through the pictures, he noted the deputy had the app that gave the date and time of the pictures, definitely a necessity in his job.
   Gil asked, “So what happens if somebody went back and started burning things on the site?”
   “That’s a clear violation,” said Peter. He looked concerned. “Has that happened?”
   Gil told Peter of what they had found Sunday morning. Joseph showed him the photos of the smoldering pile on his own phone.
   Peter looked at the pictures. He swapped phones with Joseph to get his own back.
   “You want to go back up there when I finish and let me get some pictures. Your pictures don’t have the date on them but mine will. Then I can send them back in and we can document the violation. We’ll have proof that the fires were started after the TRO was posted.”
   Gil looked at Joseph. “Sounds like a good plan, doesn’t it.”
   Yeah, talk about a rhetorical question!
   Peter had gone back to work on his hamburger. Speaking between bites, he said, “Lucky I happened to see you here today.”
Joseph and Gil agreed.

   When Peter had finished – he insisted on paying for his own so there was no hint of anything unethical – they took both vehicles up to the construction site.
   The site looked as they had last seen it to Gil and Joseph, but Peter remarked that it looked like there may have been more clearing of brush after he had left. There was no question that the burning had been initiated after the TRO had been posted.
   “What’s the next step?” asked Gil.
   “Your photos show the damage as of Sunday morning. Get them to your lawyer. I’ll add my time-stamped photos to the file. Violating a TRO is breaking the law, so we will have to initiate action against the people who broke the law. It’s a job for those higher than me to determine who to charge.”
   They had a brief conversation and Peter sent the photos to Joseph and Gil. There was nothing more to be done here, so Peter got back into his patrol car and left.
   “What’s next for us, Gil?”
   “I’ll get in touch with Charles and see if we can visit. If they are still in the meeting, he will welcome this interruption.” He pulled out his phone and punched Charles’ number. It went straight to voicemail so he left a brief summary message.
   He dialed the main office for The Community. The man who answered the number replied that he was in The Community office building when asked. Gil said who he was and asked that an urgent message be given to Charles. The male voice was hesitant, but Gil said it would alter the course of the meeting. The man agreed to take in the message, “Listen to your voicemail.”
   Gil thanked him and hung up. “Let’s get up there and see what is happening.”
 
Shifting Ground
   At The Community, Chairwoman Faye Hart and legal representative Charles Mason arrived at the conference room at 2:00 sharp.
Samuel Jacobs and his legal representative, Ed Pearl, arrived a moment later and the receptionist pointed toward the room.
   After introductions and refreshments had politely been refused, Ed Pearl initiated the conversation.
   He looked at Faye and then Charles as he asked, “Will one of you explain the specific reason for the delay to construction on the site for the solar panels? I think we can bypass ‘saving the Grit Bush’ or whatever environmental issue is involved.”
   Charles answered. “We do have the legal challenge for the purpose of preserving the Grit Bush. That remains first and foremost.
   “There are issues involving Eagles Nest. That is legally a separate issue, but your client is involved in both projects. He has tied them together with an agreement to furnish solar power to Eagles Nest in lieu of making Eagles Nest an environmentally friendly development as defined in the land sale contract.
   “The subterfuge of furnishing solar power as a substitute for truly energy efficient construction violates both the spirit and the letter of our agreement.”
   Samuel quickly jumped into the conversation. “I don’t really understand why you are so upset about Eagles Nest. So what if the homes are not energy perfect in your eyes. All of their power is coming from solar energy. Not a piece of coal or molecule of gas is consumed by them.”
   Faye was incredulous. “Do you really believe that? Even if it were true, which it most definitely is not, you knew what our expectations were for Eagles Nest and you did the opposite.”
   Samuel started to speak but the lawyer put a hand on his arm.”
   “Ms. Hart, the essence of the contract, what it required, was that Eagles Nest be, and I quote, ‘energy efficient’ and ‘a model for a more energy efficient housing development.’
   “With Eagles Nest drawing their power directly from solar panels just across the highway from them, we have fully satisfied your contract demands.”
   Charles saw that a legal response was necessary to counter the lawyer’s claim.
   “Eagles Nest will use considerably more of solar energy with standard construction practices rather than the energy efficient practices mentioned in the contract. This amount is on the order of 40-50%.
   “First, standard construction means the homes in Eagles Nest will use 40-50% more of the solar power generated. The extra solar power required will not be available to existing homes and industries who must use fossil fuel generated power in place of the solar power that would have been available.
   “Second, after several days of cloudy weather and the exhaustion of stored solar power, Eagles nest will be back on the grid consuming fossil fuel generated power. Their demand will be higher than it would have been with energy saving construction and appliances.
   “Do you think a judge will look favorably on your claim based on these facts?”
   The investors’ lawyer responded in the same firm but even tone. “When the judge reads the contract signed by Bruce Denton and hears our argument, a ruling in our favor is the only possible outcome.” He folded his arms and leaned back in his chair as if to say, “Case closed!”
   Charles did not waver. “Do not deceive yourself that this is about the spirit of the contract. As I have stated with those two points violating the contract, the judge will have to rule in our favor.”
   Samuel turned to his lawyer. “The TRO ends tomorrow. Do they have sufficient grounds to prevent continuation of the solar project?”
   “There are two different issues here, Samuel: the contract for the Eagles Nest property and the solar panel farm, currently halted because of the supposed existence of a Grit Bush, whatever that is!
   “If they choose to pursue a legal battle over the Eagles Nest land contract, they must file suit and we will counter file. Any issue should be resolved quickly.
   “We have seen no evidence that the solar farm will be delayed beyond tomorrow.”
   Faye stated what was becoming quite clear. “You never had any intention of working in good faith with us, did you?”
   Samuel pushed away Ed’s hand and leaned forward. “That is exactly what we are doing. We are putting our facts up against your facts. We will win. You are free to negotiate,” he said, leaning back into his chair, “but you are in a very poor position.”
   “Why don’t we leave the decision of who wins to the judge, or to the multiple judges if either of us chooses to appeal. We won’t have any problem holding up Eagles Nest for quite some time.”
   He turned to Faye. “If they build the solar farm but lose Eagles Nest, that would be a win/win, don’t you think?”

   There was a knock on the door. The receptionist entered uninvited and handed a folded note to Charles.
   Charles looked at the note, then nodded to the man. He exited quietly. Charles pulled out his phone and read a text message. There were a couple of pictures that had followed.
   Ed Pearl was speaking in hushed tones to his client, but it seemed pretty clear that the lawyer wanted to do all of the talking.
   “Mr. Jacobs.” Charles paused to make sure that he had Samuel Jacobs’ full attention.
   “I will ask you only one time if you will reconsider the contract concerning the Eagles Nest land. Will you change the covenant to agree with the original terms of the contract? Specifically, will you honor the words Mr. Pearl quoted earlier: ‘energy efficient’ and ‘a model for a more energy efficient housing development?’”
   Samuel Jacobs looked decidedly uncomfortable. He glanced at Ed Pearl, but held up his hand when the lawyer opened his mouth to speak.
   “Let’s say that I agree to that stipulation. Will you allow the TRO to lapse and not continue attempts to block the solar farm?”
   “We will lose our $5,000 bond if we do that. Will you compensate us for that loss?”
   “Done, but that’s all,” agreed Samuel.
   Charles looked at Faye before proceeding. She gave a slight nod.
   “I have here a more detailed description of those terms. To prevent any misunderstanding, will you please read this addendum and sign it?”
   Charles had a notebook in front of him from which he pulled a single printed page. Bullet points explained the two terms that had now been quoted twice from the contract. The final point acknowledged payment of $5,000 to The Community for “legal fees.”
   "You came prepared," said Samuel, accepting the page. "I like that."
   He read the page. “Who determines that the quality of the material and labor meets the standards outlined here?”
   “There are a number of third party green building inspection companies,” said Charles. “Here is a list from whom you may choose.” He handed Samuel another page.
   “As an alternative, we have crews in The Community who are experienced in this work. They will do a quality job with the correct materials, and will cost less than the qualified crews you bring from other areas. Simply allow us to quote the jobs.”
   Samuel put the page down on top of the page with the bullet points.
   “We can make the list available to prospective buyers. It is their decision how they build. Within the terms we are discussing, of course.”
   “Will you sign and Mr. Pearl sign as witness?”
   “Samuel, You…”
   Samuel cut him off. “Ed, revise the Eagles Nest covenant to agree with these terms. Contact the original buyers and allow them to request a refund or to agree to the new covenant with their signature.”
   He signed the paper and Ed Pearl signed as witness under protest. Faye and Charles then signed, as well.
   “Are we agreed on the solar panel property? You will allow the TRO to expire.”
   “We are in agreement on that issue."

   Rather than a concluding remark, Charles asked, "May I offer you both a cold drink, coffee, water, anything?”
   Samuel eyed Charles suspiciously. “Is there something else that you want to discuss?”
   “I do not have anything further from The Community’s point of view. I thought perhaps you would like to be aware of a legal issue concerning your contractor at the solar farm and the Temporary Restraining Order that he violated.”
   “What are you talking about?”
   “Well, Mr. Jacobs, in a few minutes a gentleman will come in here with pictures of the solar farm land taken at the time that the TRO was posted, and then some pictures taken in the following days showing that the TRO had been violated. All of that information is being relayed to the court by a deputy sheriff as we speak.”
   Charles now looked askance at Samuel Jacobs. “You wouldn’t know anything about that now, would you?”
   “What the hell are you talking about?” Samuel became angry, his face flushed for the first time in the meeting.
   “Would you like a refreshment?" Charles repeated calmly. "He should be here very soon.”
   Ed Pearl spoke. “Samuel, this is an issue between the contractor and the court. This has nothing to do with you or me.”
   “I apologize,” said Samuel to Charles. “You caught me off guard. I have no knowledge of what you are talking about.”
   Turning toward his lawyer, he asked, “Can this hold up the solar project?”
   “As long as the contractor acted on his own initiative and The Community does not offer evidence of an endangered species, the project should be able to resume operation. Since I will be busy with the other legal issues you have just given to me, I will have someone assigned full time to make the problem go away and for work to resume.
   “Oh, and you will need a new contractor,” Ed added.
   “If this issue is not our issue, we will leave.” said Samuel rising from his chair. “But first I want to speak with Faye.”
   He walked around the table and spoke in a soft voice, his back to the others.

   At that moment, the door opened and Gil and Joseph entered the room.
   Joseph closed the door behind them as Gil walked to where Charles stood alone. “How are things progressing?” he asked.
   “We have reached an agreement,” said Charles. “Mr. Jacobs will rewrite the Eagles Nest covenant to conform to The Community’s standards, and we will withdraw our request that the solar farm be halted.”
   “Sounds like a great win-win!” exclaimed Gil. “But what about the violation of the TRO?” he asked, holding up the phone with its pictorial evidence.
   “That is between the court and the contractor, or whoever gave the order for work to resume after the TRO. I think we will have a good working relationship with Mr. Jacobs.”
   Faye turned from Samuel Jacobs and joined the small group that included Charles, Gil, and Joseph.
   “I feel like we are back at the beginning, but I have a much better feel about how things will go from here. Samuel – Mr. Jacobs – was just telling me that he was at our disposal regarding Eagles Nest. And if there is something about the solar farm where we had a suggestion for improvement, that he would be open to exploring the possibility.”
   Considering his conversation with Samuel the previous night, Joseph was very surprised at the direction events were heading.
He walked over to where Samuel stood behind a man still seated at the table and making notes.
   “Good afternoon, Samuel.” Joseph offered his hand.
   Samuel looked up as if he had not been aware of Joseph’s presence, his expression one of surprised delight.
   “Good afternoon, Joseph!” he said, as he shook Joseph’s hand enthusiastically.
   “Charles said that an agreement has been reached.”
   “Yes, yes, Joseph, it has…we have reached an agreement.”
   He put a hand on Joseph’s shoulder and steered him away from the table similar to how he had done with Faye moments earlier.
   “Last night was a transformative moment for me,” he said as they walked toward a window.
   He took his hand from Joseph’s shoulder and stood looking at the wall of trees stretching across his entire field of vision.
      “I have been a bookkeeper,” Samuel said, more to himself than to Joseph. “I kept accounts but did not know – or had forgotten - what it is that really counts.
   Still facing the wall of trees, he said, “Last night when I called Chloe, “my little girl,” I realized that she was not mine. Dinah isn’t mine. And soon Claire will not be mine, either. Not that she ever was mine. No, she was never mine except when she gave herself to me.
   “If I was not a good husband or father, perhaps I can be a good grandfather, do the right things for Chloe’s future.” He sighed. “I don’t know how, but I will learn.”
   After a moment, he looked at Joseph, meeting him eye to eye. “You know, today actually feels very good. And it is very amazing the way that it happened.”
   He looked out the window again. “I didn’t demand to win on the issue of Eagles Nest. I went back to what we agreed in the beginning.” He paused.
   “Isn’t that funny,” he stated, still looking out the window as if something out there held his eyes captive, “that things were already right in the beginning. We did not have to do anything to improve upon that original state of being.”
   He had more to say nut hesitated. Joseph waited.
   He finally continued. “I’ve never been a Bible reading person, but it makes me think of the beginning in Genesis. We had everything we wanted or needed, but we wanted something more.”
   Silence again.

   Joseph looked out the window, still in a mild state of shock at the transformation of Samuel Jacobs.
   The green grass border of the building led to a floor of pine needles.  Bursting from this soft carpet was a profusion of life, a solid wall of green supported by gray-brown shafts of wood straining toward heaven.
   Joseph looked at the still life before him, the colors fixed in place as on an easel. The scene looked like it would never change. But nothing stood still. This, too, would pass.
   Did Claire expect this transformation in Samuel today, know that it was coming?
   Would Dinah find that she has a father in reality as well as in name?
   And should he have written the article that he had sent to Mr. Franklin?
   He could only answer the last question. What he wrote was still true.
   And if The Community had compromised - gaining Eagles Nest as an ecological model for communities and losing 300 acres of nature to a solar farm – was it a victory for nature in the long run?
   The Legend of the Grit Bush crossed his mind, the Grit Bush as representative of the vegetation of Eden, perfect when perfectly tended.
   “Love of God, and our fellow humans, and the Grit Bush" – the motto of the Free State of Lower Alabama. A three-legged stool that stands firm.
   Back then, they knew the Grit Bush was a metaphor for life.
   And so it was in Genesis. There had been a negotiation in Eden, a compromise that led to Eden’s disappearance because God was not a part of the decision. Eden, the harmony of life, could not exist without Him, the Creator that had established harmony in the beginning.
   Eden did not, could not, compromise.
   Today was different. This compromise brought both sides back closer to oneness, closer to Eden.
   Would the Grit Bush, would Eden, surface again one day?
   Perhaps not all questions had answers, at least, not now. Perhaps there were some that had no answer until you realized there was no longer even a question, that you were already living the answer.
   Facing the world beyond the window, Joseph’s mind went to the man standing beside him.
   Samuel had lived life as an accountant, the ledger always open. Plusses and minuses. Credits on the right and debits on the left.    Wasn’t it sheep on the right and goats on the left in the Bible? Were the sheep and goats also mirror images in the eyes of God?
   His meager education in accounting had shown that the bank’s ledger would show the opposite: the customer’s credit would be the bank’s debit, debt to the customer. Combine the two and the result was zero. Any plusses or minuses were illusions.
   He understood the revelation that Samuel had experienced: relationship. In a relationship, the account balances did not offset one another for a zero sum. Relationships were additive, the sum greater than the parts..
   Looking at the world through the window, he also saw reflected back to him the image of the world within the room.
   Inside the room, harmony had been restored. New relationships were being formed. And perhaps even beyond the window new relationships would be formed and old relationships restored as a result of today.
   He spoke out loud as if to Samuel, but he was really telling himself what he needed to hear.
   “We do have everything we need. All that is left for us to do is to give thanks for it.” 
                                   The End, but every ending implies a new Beginning